Hayward police propose using wearable video cameras

Recordings from the cameras can be useful when investigating crimes, said a Hayward police lieutenant. They also can document encounters with police, Lt. Bryan Matthews said.

"For example, if somebody decides to file a complaint of misconduct, if there's a video and audio recording, that could be used to either support the complaint or disprove it," he said.

Police will hold two meetings to answer questions about the cameras and get feedback from residents. The first one is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the department's Northern District Office, 22701 Main St. in downtown.

The second meeting will be June 26, also at 6:30 p.m. at the Northern District Office.

Police Chief Diane Urban will ask the City Council in July to approve the cameras, Matthews said.

Hayward police have been evaluating the cameras for the past year, and tested several kinds.

"The model we'd like to go with has flexibility," Matthews said. "With some of the models, you're limited as to where you can mount the camera."

The department is recommending using Taser Axon Flex digital video cameras, which are about the size of lipstick containers and can mount on sunglasses, he said.

Hayward police would not be the first local agency to use the cameras; BART and Oakland police already have them, Matthews said.